Re: SF new column announcement: WiFi for dummies

[securityfocus () reach me uk]

Wi-Fi hotspots offer wireless connection to the (insecure) internet at large. Once leaving the coffee shop, as wen 
using the internet from anywhere else, the user has no idea whatsoever what path their data takes - wireless, wired, or 
wet string!  

So why does this article consider Wi-Fi access in hotspots is inherantly more insecure than access to the internet 
access in general? It seems to focus on the last few feet of a connection that is insecure as it travels the world 
over! There are technologies that mitigate these risks - VPNs and SSL https:// protected web pages to name but two. 
Then there is the user of AV software and personal firewalls, etc etc.

Do technologies like VPNs and SSL not protect a connection via a hotspot? If they do, would it not be more responsible 
to focus on educating users about these 'safe comuting' techniques for using the internet in general, than spreading 
fear, uncertainty, and doubt about hotspots?

Regards

John

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